Replacing Davit Mechanism on 1973 53 MY

[mgernes]

Over the fourth of July weekend the caple on my winch that I use to raise and lower my whaler broke and and the wire almost hit me in the face. Needless to say there were not too many safety features on these origional winch mechanisms in 1973.

That bieng said, I am looking at replacing the entire mechanism, including the origional boom, and I wanted to get some feedback from anyone that has undertaken this task.

I have talked to Nautical Structures but was wondering if there are any other companies that have similar products. I am also open to any refits that anyone has done to the existing mechanism.

Thank you in advance,
Beachhouse

 

[Pascal]

it doesn't matter what kind of crane you have, when the cable breaks it will snap back, violently.

i always step back a few ft when using launching and retrieving my tender.

some of the high end cranes have the cable housed inside the boom, this is obviously safer but be ready for sticker shock!

 

[REBrueckner]

What happened to the cable? was it frayed or corroded from within? Why not just replace with a thicker/stronger cable?
These should always be inspected carefully when in use.

Has anyone thought about mounting a rubber hose or length of PVC, to contain the winch cable between the winding drum and the crane arm pulley....that would afford some protection...the drum end would have to move as the cable winds on the drum

 

[Boatsb]

PVC would turn to shrapnel. If a metal tube is properly attached it could provide some protection but it may interfere with the spooling of the cable

 

[chris piazza]

there is no safe way to protect from a bad cable. Cable is cheap inspect it often, keep a very light lubricants on it and make sure it spools on and off without wrapping over it self. Even the very expensive hydro units use cable for lift.

Chris
Superior Nights 53C

 

[Liquid Asset]

What about using a legnth of Dynema winch cable that is avaliable for 4wheeler winches. This would allow a safty factor because it is rope, not wire, but will also handle the load of wire cable. These are avaliable on ebay and other stores as well. It is what I have on my boat.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-16...ce3&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65:1|39:1

 

[mgernes]

Thank you for your feedback.

The cable broke and came flying back at me because it became jammed at the end of the boom in the space between the disk that the cable runs through and the inside edge of the boom itself. This was not an issue of cable failure but rather my unfortionate assumption that the cable would always lay in the groove in the disk that is at the end of boom that the cable actually runs through.

It sounds like most of you that run the later vintage 53 MY's still have the same boom and winching mechanism in place that was origionally part of the boat when manufactured.

The estimates that I am seeing to upgrade to a Nautical Stuctures(http://www.nautical-structures.com/davits.htm) winching mechanism are running around $8,000.00 installed.

If anyone has upgraded with another Davit supplier please let me know.

---Beach House---

 

[arimkus]

I purchased one at Sailorman in Ft. Lauderdale two years ago at a reasonable price. Their phone no. is 1-954-522-6716 and they usually have one or two available.
Al

 

[sandspur1966]

The Steelhead Esprit 1000 is a terrific davit. It has 4 functions,(rotate, boom up and down, boom in and out and cable lift) all in a remote switch for about the same as a NS or Marquipt without those features.

I didn't spring for it but was sorely tempted. I opted to have Dutton-Lainson rebuild my winch motor for $140 bucks and painted my Davit with awlgrip myself.

If you choose to go for the 7-10k for a new unit I would take a look at them.

http://www.steelheadmarine.net/docs/SM_Brochure.pdf

 

[GJH]

We looked hard a davits this winter, spent time at the Miami Show with Marquipt, Nautical Structures and Steelhead. A Steelhead with all the above-mentioned features is around 25k, about 20-30% below the other two. Power rotation is an expensive option, as is power extension. That said, they are nice pieces of machinery that are getting a lot of the OEM market; I have seen them on new Nordahvns (!), Flemings, and yes, Hatteras! Our own "Mr. Nordhavn", Pete, has some threads here about installing one on his 48LRC.

Quick Lift is another brand to look at, similar pricing to Steelhead and common on big boats in S. Florida.

I'd also advise you to get your Whaler weighed, soaking wet and full of fuel and the other stuff that you leave on it. Marquipt came out and weighed our 130 Sport and it clocked in at 1040 lbs! That validated why we are looking for a new davit, it is obvious we are at the max of our current one.

 

[Glory]

don't use cable at all! you can buy low streach line 6600# working load in
1/4". Ive been using it all year.

I purchased enough line to cut away all of the line that is exposed to the sun once a year for 3 years. Just as a precaution.

No splinters, meat hooks and it the lone parts it's fabric.

A added bouns, with the line the winch is quiter.

JM

 

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

I totally agree. I don't use cable and we regularly lift a 13 ft whaler with 50hp honda and gear. It's quiet, not gnarly, and a whole lot safer.
Craig